Patriot Fund money goes to parents of Commons

Friday, Nov. 21, 2003 | 9:07 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The family of an Army Ranger from Boulder City who was killed in Afghanistan is going to receive $6,000 from the Patriot Fund, fueled by voluntary donations in Nevada.

"That sounds great," said Patricia Marek, mother of Pfc. Matthew Allen Commons, 21, who died in March during a mission to rescue another U.S. soldier captured by al-Qaida.

The volunteer committee that administers the funds voted Thursday to release the money that will be split between Marek and her ex-husband, Gregory Commons, who is Matthew's father and a resident of Alexandria, Va.

Jerry Bussell, director of Homeland Security for Nevada, said this was the fifth allocation of the fund. It leaves about $60,000 in in the fund, he said.

From her home in Littleton, Colo., Marek called the death of her son "the most horrifying experience I have ever been through. I didn't think I would ever get over it."

She said she tries to help other parents who are going through the same thing.

"At least I don't cry any more," she said.

Matthew Commons graduated in 1999 from Boulder City High School. He enrolled in the University of Nevada, Reno, but dropped out during his freshman year. On July 27, 2000, he enlisted with the Army and became a member of the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

Matthew's brother Aaron, 20, is enrolled at Northern Colorado State, Marek said. She works for ASRC Aerospace Corp in Denver.

The committee previously divided $42,000 among the families of four servicemen killed during the Iraqi war.

Checks of $12,000 each went to:

Tina Cline, of Washoe County, the widow of Marine Lance Corporal Donald Cline.

Kim Byers, widow of Army Captain Joshua Byers of Sparks, who lives in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Carolyn Pokorney, the widow of Marine Lt. Frederick Pokorney Jr., 31, of Tonopah, who lives in North Carolina.

Jamie Lynn Gallarde, sister of Staff Sgt. Cameron Bryan Sarno of Las Vegas, received a $6,000 check. She lives in Hawaii.